38 Nigerians in the History of French Ligue 1

A long list of budding Nigerian footballers have plied their trade in France’s topflight popularly known as French Ligue 1 since its inception.

Few of them have been integral parts of the Super Eagles like Jay Jay Okocha, Vincent Enyeama, Taye Taiwo, Stephen Keshi, Victor Ikpeba et al.

Currently, Victor Oshimen has been flying the Nigerian flag in France with eight goals to his name and is the fourth highest goal scorer in the 2019/2020 Ligue 1 season.

On Tuesday, 4 December, Josh Maga grabbed the spotlight with a terrific performance capped with a hat-trick becoming the fourth Nigerian to score more than three goals in a single Ligue 1 game.  

Busybuddiesng.com has curated a full list of Nigerian players that have played in the French Ligue 1.

Henry Onyekuru – Monaco – 2019

Victor Osimhen – Lille – 2019

Josh Magu – Bordeaux – 2019

Moses Simon – Nantes – 2019

Samuel Kalu – Bordeaux – 2018

Chidozie Awaziem – Nantes – 2017–18

Dickson Nwakaeme – Angers – 2016–17

Vincent Enyeama – Lille – 2013–18

Ejike Uzoenyi – Rennes – 2012–13

Ideye Aide Brown – Sochaux – 2009–11

Olubayo Adefemi – Boulogne – 2009–10

Lukman Haruna – AS Monaco – 2008–10

Sani Kaita – AS Monaco – 2008–09

Nduka Ozokwo – Nice – 2008–09

Uwa Elderson Echiéjilé – Rennes – 2007–09

Simon Zenke – Strasbourg – 2007–08

Onyekachi Apam – Nice – 2006–10

Tosin Dosunmu – Nancy – 2006–07

Joseph Enakarhire – Bordeaux – 2006–07

Rabiu Afolabi – Sochaux – 2005–09

Edorisi Master Ekhosuehi – Le Mans – 2005–06

Peter Odemwingie – Lille – 2005–07

Taye Taiwo – Marseille – 2004–11

Kalu Uche – Bordeaux – 2004–05

John Utaka – RC Lens, Rennes – 2002–07

Bartholomew Ogbeche – Paris SG, Bastia, Metz – 2001–05

Joseph Yobo – Marseille – 2001–02

Jay-Jay Okocha – Paris SG – 1998-02

Egutu Oliseh – AS Nancy – 1998–00

Uche Agbo – Montpellier – 1997–98

Victor Agali – Marseille, Nice – 1996–97, 2004–05

Godwin Okpara – Strasbourg, Paris SG – 1996–01

Wilson Oruma – Lens, AS Nancy, Sochaux, Marseille – 1994–98, 2002–08

Victor Ikpeba – AS Monaco – 1993–99

Samson Siasia – Nantes – 1993–95

Taribo West – Auxerre – 1993–97

Stephen Keshi – Strasbourg – 1992–93

Richard Daddy Owobokiri – Laval, Metz – 1986–89